| BATHURST INFORMATION & NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
Bathurst
Information and Neighbourhood Centre Inc (BINC) is a community
based organisation which aims to build resilient communities
by developing stronger links between community members and
by assisting members of disadvantaged communities to participate
in community life and activities. Community members use
and knowledge of existing community resources is increased
by the provision of a range of information, referral and
support services for the Bathurst region in a welcoming
environment.
The
infrastructure provided by the Centre can be quickly mobilised,
expanded or readjusted to respond to local needs, emerging
issues, or opportunities.
BINC
improves outcomes for members of the Bathurst community
in three key ways, by:
• providing a range of direct services
• acting as a conduit to other services
• providing indirect benefits such as improving social
networks and building social capital.
BINC
is partially funded by the NSW Department of Community Services
and receives program funding from a range of Government
Departments to fill specific needs within the community.
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 Neighbourhood
Centre Project provides an information and referral service.
BINC provides information about local associations, interest groups,
leisure activities, self help groups and community services. BINC
provides meeting and interview room space for groups and organisations.
BINC works with community members and organisations to identify
and to address needs. Funding provided by NSW Government Human
Services, Community Services, Community Builders.
Oberon Neighbourhood Centre provides an information
and referral service. ONC provides information about local associations,
interest groups, leisure activities, self help groups and community
services. ONC works with community members and organisations to
identify and to address needs. Funding provided by NSW Government
Human Services, Community Services, Community Builders.
Community Visitors Scheme, CVS volunteers regularly
visit a resident of a nursing home to provide friendship for those
who are lonely. Funding provided by Australian Government Department
of Health and Ageing.
Home and Community Care (HACC )Training provides
training and resources to volunteer involving organisations receiving
HACC funding within Central West NSW. Funding provided by NSW
Government Human Services, Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
Home Maintenance and Modification Project (HMM) is
a HaCC program which employs qualified trades people to provide
ramps and rails and other modifications to the homes of frail
aged and people with a disability who wish to remain in their
own homes. Funding provided by NSW Government Human Services,
Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
HMM Lawn Mowing Service provides lawn mowing
services to the frail aged and younger people with disabilities.
Funding provided by NSW Government Human Services, Ageing, Disability
and Home Care.
Migrant Support Service is a regional program
which provides help and support to migrants moving into the Central
West, with emphasis on those who have recently arrived from Non-English
speaking countries. Funding provided by Australian Government
Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Bathurst Migrant and Refugee Mentoring Project
links trained volunteers with migrants and refugees to facilitate
access to local services and activities. Current program finished.
Volunteering
Bathurst (VB) liaises with community organisations to
determine their needs for volunteers. VB interviews and refer
volunteers to volunteer positions appropriate to their interests
and skills and to the requirements of the organisation. Funding
provided by NSW Government Human Services, Community Services,
Community Builders.
Volunteering Central West (VCW) resource and
supports volunteer, managers of volunteers and volunteer involving
organisations throughout Central West NSW. The service also supports
the needs of corporate volunteers and disadvantaged groups. Funding
provided by Australian Government Department of Families, Housing,
Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Golden Gurus (GG) is a program that links a Golden
Guru, a skilled volunteer over 50 years of age, to a community
organisation. The GG provides the support and knowledge needed
to develop the organisation or the client group. This program
has been developed by Department of Education, Employment and
Workplace Relations.
Activities
and Projects
International Friendship Group (IFG)
IFG was originally formed in the early 1970’s to provide
social and English language support to new arrivals and immigrants.
Currently IFG have members from 45 different countries of origin
who meet regularly to provide support, friendship and to raise
awareness of the different cultures. IFG hold cultural and social
activities that aim to enrich the social fabric of our community.
Bathurst Eisteddfod Catering is provided by volunteer
community organisations and a volunteer committee to provide light
refreshment at reasonable prices to people attending the Eisteddfod.
Computer tutoring Volunteers offer one to one
computer tutoring to people to give them confidence to develop
computer skills.
The Knit-ins is a group of enthusiastic knitters
who meet monthly to produce squares for the ABC ‘Wraps with
Love’ program, as well as items for various other projects.
This group provides an opportunity for people to use their knitting
skills in a social gathering.
Learner Education Assistance Program (LEAP) is
for people who have their Learners Permit but don’t have
access to a car or an unrestricted licensed driver to supervise
them. This program is being supported by Transport NSW and NRMA.
State Debt Recovery BINC is an approved organisation
for Work Development Orders which enables eligible people to pay
off their debt through volunteer activities.
Free Legal Advice service provides an outreach
service to Bathurst every Thursday. BINC takes bookings and provides
support to the clients.
Tax Help Program provides assistance to people
in genuine need, to help them comply with their tax obligations
at tax time.
Co-located
services at BINC
- DIAS
(Disability Information Advocacy Service) is a support and advocacy
service for people with disabilities, their families and carers.
- MERIT
The programs provide the opportunity for adult defendants with
alcohol or drug abuse or dependence problems to work towards
rehabilitation, on a voluntary basis, as part of the bail process.
- Josephite
Foundation No Interest Loans Scheme provides loans
of up to $1000 for low income earners who are on Social Security
benefits.
- Step
Up Loans provides low interest loans between $800 to
$3,000 for individuals or families holding a current Centrelink
Health Care card.
- University
of the Third Age conducts many of its classes at BINC
and also uses BINC as a mailing address and messages centre.
Access
Policy
Approximately one hundred other community groups use the services
of BINC in a range of ways. Although we request a donation for
the use of rooms and office space, it is purely voluntary, as
we wish to make our service accessible to all and would not like
to exclude any group or individual on any basis particularly financial.
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